From the 1790's canals were being built to carry goods, particularly bulky and heavy materials like coal and iron.
The canals could transport these both quicker and more cheaply than by using the existing road system, and their construction was an impressive feat of engineering for the time.

A great network of canals was created all over Britain.
A few canals were built in Montgomeryshire and Breconshire, but none in Radnorshire.
The canals all over the country were to fall into decline with the coming of the steam railways in the 1840's, which took away most of the trade in carrying industrial materials.

Use the links below for the story of two Powys canals...